The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel David William Winn, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as the Pilot of an F-105D Thunderchief of the 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, on 23 June 1968. On that date, Colonel Winn was instrumental in effecting the rescue of his wingman, downed by hostile ground fire, in the Gulf of Tonkin. With complete disregard for his own safety, he continued to make numerous aggressive passes up and down the extremely well-defended coast of North Vietnam until the safe recovery of his wingman could be effected. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Winn has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General David William Winn, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Winn culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Brigadier GeneralDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
September 5 – 10, 1968
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Brigadier General David William Winn, United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during the period from 5 September 1968 to 10 September 1968, while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. Ignoring international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, the enemy resorted to mental and physical cruelties to obtain information, confessions, and propaganda materials. General Winn resisted their demands by calling upon his deepest inner strengths in a manner which reflected his devotion to duty and great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
August 9, 1968 – March 14, 1973
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Colonel David William Winn, United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 9 August 1968 to 14 March 1973. His ceaseless efforts to conduct himself strictly in accord with the Code of Conduct and policies of the prisoner organization in the difficult conditions of a communist prison clearly demonstrated his loyalty, love of country, and professionalism. By his unselfish dedication to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
August 9, 1968 – March 14, 1973
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Colonel David William Winn, United States Air Force, for heroic actions against an enemy armed force while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. The North Vietnamese and interrogators and guards kept constant pressure on this officer through harassment, intimidation, and cruelties from which they hoped to gain information and cooperative participation in their propaganda exercises. This individual heroically resisted their treatment in a manner which served as an inspiration to others in the camp and reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
August 9, 1968 – March 14, 1973
Colonel David William Winn, United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from August 9, 1968 until his release on March 14, 1973.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Brigadier GeneralDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
August 1968 – August 1971
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General David William Winn, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Winn distinguished himself while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from August 1968 to August 1971. During t his period, General Winn displayed professional competence, unwavering devotion, and loyalty to his country by his continued resistance to an enemy who ignored all International agreements on treatment of prisoners of war. General Winn performed his duties in accord with the Code of Conduct and exhibited leadership with courage and determination, regardless of the cost in the many cruel tortures and beatings which he had to endure. The execution of his responsibilities was a vital factor in setting the standard for the other prisoners. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Winn reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel David William Winn, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia on 23 June 1968. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.